I have a question
regarding people borrowing money and not returning it. Before we die, which
can be any day, we are supposed to clear any debts. Keeping this in mind, I
always make an effort to pay back anyone I owe right away, no matter how
much it is. What should I do in the opposite case though, when people owe
me money? I feel tacky asking them for it, but know that it probably just
slipped their mind. I could just forgive their debts, but then I think that
even this relatively small amount could be donated for worthy causes and so
maybe it should be pursued. Please advise.

Answer:

One must pursue
one’s debt. Just as we ought not refuse to help others when we are in a
position to help, it is their moral responsibility to comply with the terms
and conditions agreed upon. The best approach in this regard is that you
should settle a date by which you will be remitted your amount. As the due
time approaches, you ask the borrower about the payment though in a most
friendly manner. Obviously, if he is facing some trouble, he would explain
it to you and request more time from you. It is a great virtue to allow the
debtor a further period of respite. However, this approach obliterates the
very possibility of forgetting on the part of the borrower. I think a person
should not feel hesitant while asking the borrower for what is his due.

To remit debts is very
desirable only when the debtor is in difficulty and you are of the view that
he is already awfully burdened. In the case where the debtor is leading a
normal life, you must recover your debts since remission in this case will
cause the borrower to be more comfortable with borrowing and then never
paying back. You are right in believing that there might be other worthy
causes where you can more profitably spend and thus earn reward.